This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front windshield wiper motor on a 2016-2024 Hyundai Tucson with the 2.5L I4 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front wiper motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cowl panel clips (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition off and remove key/fob from vehicle
3. Position wiper blades in service position (mid-stroke) by turning on wipers briefly then turning off ignition when blades are vertical
4. Open hood and secure with prop rod
5. Disconnect negative battery terminal and isolate cable away from battery post
6. Wait minimum 3 minutes for airbag system to discharge

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove wiper arms
   Lift the wiper arm covers at the base of each wiper arm. Use a 14mm socket to remove the retaining nuts from both wiper arm posts. Mark the position of the wiper arms on the windshield with tape for reinstallation reference. Gently rock the wiper arms while pulling upward to remove them from the splined posts. Set arms aside in a safe location.
2. 2

   Remove cowl top cover
   Remove the rubber weatherstrip seal along the rear edge of the hood opening where it contacts the cowl panel. Use trim removal tools to carefully pry up and release the plastic clips securing the cowl top cover (approximately 8-10 clips along the panel). Lift the cowl cover from the front edge and pull forward to disengage from the windshield base. Remove the cowl panel and set aside, taking care not to damage the washer nozzles or hoses if still connected.
3. 3

   Disconnect washer hoses
   If washer hoses are still connected to the cowl panel, disconnect them by gently pulling the hoses from the nozzle fittings. Note the routing of washer hoses for reinstallation. You may need to disconnect hoses near the washer fluid reservoir depending on your working clearance needs.
4. 4

   Access wiper motor assembly
   With the cowl removed, you will have clear access to the wiper linkage assembly and motor. Locate the wiper motor on the driver side of the linkage assembly. The motor is mounted with three bolts to a bracket and has an electrical connector on the motor body.
5. 5

   Disconnect wiper motor electrical connector
   Press the locking tab on the wiper motor electrical connector and carefully pull the connector straight off the motor. Ensure the connector is supported and will not hang on any wiring - secure it out of the way with a piece of wire or tape if needed.
   ⚠Do not pull on wires - always grip the connector body when disconnecting
6. 6

   Disconnect wiper motor from linkage
   Locate the connection point where the motor crank arm connects to the wiper linkage. Remove the 10mm nut or bolt securing the motor crank arm to the linkage ball joint. Use a small pry tool to carefully separate the crank arm from the linkage ball socket. Support the linkage to prevent it from dropping or binding.
7. 7

   Remove wiper motor mounting bolts
   Using a 10mm or 12mm socket (depending on model year), remove the three mounting bolts securing the wiper motor to its mounting bracket. Support the motor while removing the final bolt to prevent it from falling. Carefully maneuver the motor out of the mounting area, ensuring no wires or hoses are caught.
8. 8

   Inspect and prepare new motor
   Compare the old motor to the new replacement to verify correct part. Check that the new motor shaft rotates freely and is in the park position. Inspect the mounting bracket for cracks or damage. Clean the mounting surface of any debris or old gasket material if present.
9. 9

   Install new wiper motor
   Position the new wiper motor into the mounting bracket, aligning all three bolt holes. Install the three mounting bolts finger-tight first to ensure proper alignment. Torque the mounting bolts to specification using a torque wrench. Ensure the motor is securely mounted with no movement.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Connect motor to linkage
    Align the motor crank arm with the linkage ball socket. Press the crank arm firmly onto the ball joint until it seats completely. Install the retaining nut or bolt and tighten to secure the connection. Verify the linkage moves freely without binding by manually moving the linkage arm through its range of motion.
11. 11

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Plug the electrical connector firmly into the wiper motor until you hear or feel it click into place. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is fully seated and locked. Ensure no wires are pinched or in contact with moving parts of the linkage.
12. 12

    Reinstall cowl panel
    Reconnect washer hoses to the cowl nozzles if previously disconnected. Position the cowl panel back onto the vehicle, aligning it with the windshield base and ensuring all mounting points line up. Press down firmly on all clip locations to seat the clips. Replace any damaged clips as needed. Reinstall the rubber weatherstrip seal along the rear edge of the cowl.
13. 13

    Reinstall wiper arms
    Align the wiper arms to the marked positions on the windshield (or align per factory specification: driver blade tip approximately 1 inch from lower windshield edge when in park position). Press the wiper arms firmly onto the splined posts. Install the retaining nuts and tighten securely with a 14mm socket. Close the wiper arm covers.
14. 14

    Reconnect battery and test
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal and torque the terminal bolt to specification. Turn the ignition to ON position. Test wiper operation in all modes: intermittent, low speed, high speed, and single wipe. Verify wipers return to proper park position. Check for any unusual noises, binding, or irregular movement patterns.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
2. Verify wiper linkage moves freely through full range of motion before installing cowl panel
3. Check that all cowl panel clips are properly seated to prevent wind noise
4. Verify washer fluid spray pattern after reassembly

Verification

• Test all wiper speeds and confirm smooth operation with no stuttering or binding
• Verify wipers park in correct position when turned off
• Test intermittent wiper delay function works properly
• Check for proper washer fluid spray and wiper coordination
• Inspect for any fluid leaks around washer connections
• Listen for any abnormal noises during operation
• Verify no rattles from cowl panel while driving

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